Janssen: At home in rehab process

Lost opportunity disappointing for right-hander

This has been the toughest year I've had to deal with yet. To know that your season is pretty much over before it starts is mentally crushing, especially with the expectations we had as a team this year. It is very difficult not being a part of it.

I had a successful 2007 season, and I really wanted to follow it up with a solid 2008 to show that it wasn't a fluke. To lose that opportunity has been frustrating.

I was throwing in Spring Training when I had to cut a bullpen session short abruptly because I was having shoulder pain. Then came the bad news that my shouler required surgery. In March, I underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum.

The first week after the surgery was very painful, and I required some medications to help me get through it. After that first week, I was able to deal with the pain and start rehab. When I look back on the whole thing now, it doesn't seem like much, but I know I have a long way to go.

I haven't been able to throw a ball for about four months, which is the standard for this type of surgery. I can't wait to be able to toss the ball around, even if it's just a simple game of catch. I really miss it.

I'm completing my rehab at my home in California. It was a joint agreement between the club and myself. The team needs attention as well as my rehabilitation. It's not fair to take the time of our team trainers when you have other players who need to get ready for the game. At the same time, I need a lot of attention focused on my arm to get better and to get back to playing.

The hardest part for me was saying goodbye to all my teammates for the season. I knew I would miss being around the game and all my guys. Other than watching them on TV or when they come out to Anaheim, which is close to where I live, I haven't seen them. Most of the communication is over the phone.

Three thousand miles has never seemed so far away.

After being used primarily as a starter in his rookie season, right-hander Casey Janssen excelled out of the bullpen in a setup role for the Jays in 2007, throwing in 70 games while posting a 2.35 ERA. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder was being moved back to a starting role when his shoulder injury occurred during Spring Training.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.